Oscar Lorenzo Fernández was a Brazilian composer with Spanish roots, recognized for his important role in Brazil's classical music scene. He was born and passed away in Rio de Janeiro, where he also studied at the Instituto Nacional de Música. His teachers included well-known figures such as Francisco Braga and Henrique Oswald. In 1925, Fernández started teaching advanced harmony as a permanent professor, and in 1936, he founded the Conservatório Brasileiro de Música in Rio. He led this music school until he died and also taught choral singing at another conservatory beginning in 1939. One of Fernández's well-known pieces is "Reisado do Pastoreio," written in 1930, especially the part called "Batuque," which became very popular. Between 1931 and 1933, he composed a three-act opera named "Malazarte," based on a play by José Pereira Graça Aranha. This opera premiered in Italian at the Teatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro in 1941. "Malazarte" is considered the first successful Brazilian nationalist opera because it combines local stories and musical styles. Besides these works, Fernández composed many other pieces including a ballet, two symphonies, five symphonic poems, and two suites for orchestra. He also wrote concertos for piano and violin, as well as chamber music, many piano pieces, choral works, and 36 songs. His wide range of compositions shows his skill and his desire to include Brazilian culture in classical music.